About us

Dennis McKenna’s prolific career in ethnopharmacology, botany, and psychedelic science spans a wide variety of disciplines, avenues, and countries. He has given numerous lectures on topics ranging from plant medicines, to consciousness, to spirituality, to pharmacology, and has authored or co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers and written books, including “The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss: My Life with Terence McKenna”, and “The Invisible Landscape” with his brother Terence. He has also organized conferences, served as principle investigator for various research projects related to ayahuasca and other plant medicines, served as professor of Botanical Medicines and Ethnopharmacology, and conducted extensive fieldwork in the Peruvian, Colombian, and Brazilian Amazon. You can read his full bio here.

Dr. McKenna’s advisory role to Soltara and extensive knowledge of psychedelics and plant medicines has informed our mission of spreading high quality information about these healing modalities. As such, we are excited and honored to be hosting Dr. McKenna for a special week of integrative medicine work, July 15 – 22, 2018. Offering a series of lectures and workshops as adjuncts to ayahuasca ceremony, Dr. McKenna will weave his scientific and cultural understanding of ayahuasca, psychedelics, consciousness, science, and spirituality throughout the week, providing an opportunity for participants to dive deeply into the world of holistic healing, from both an objective and experiential perspective.

Guests will embark on a journey of self- and world-discovery, as Dr. McKenna takes us through topics such as:

Climbing the Vine: 45 Years of Ayahuasca: Ayahuasca has been the focus of my professional research in Ethnopharmacology since I first came to Peru in 1981 to conduct fieldwork for my doctoral thesis at the University of British Columbia. Since then it has become integrated into my own spiritual practice while continuing to remain important to me as a subject for scientific investigation. I can honestly say that my most interesting travels and personal adventures as a scientist and human being have been due to ayahuasca. In this workshop, I will share some of these personal reminiscences plus a brief overview of some of the science behind this mysterious medicine.

Origins of the Imagination: Speculations on the Antiquity of Consciousness: No one knows for sure when consciousness first emerged in our species but we can speculate about the environmental and evolutionary forces that contributed to it. One major factor was the controlled use of fire, which stimulated the migration from arboreal to savannah environments, and vastly expanded nutritional options, contributing to omnivory. Fire also provided the fundamental tools needed for pharmacology and chemistry. Migration into savannah environments would also have brought ancient hominids into contact with Psilocybin mushrooms that co-existed in this environment as symbionts on ungulate species that were also major food sources for the hominids. Accidental or deliberate ingestion of these species may have been a catalyst for the emergence of cognition, symbolic thought, and language. The fossil record is incomplete, but we find evidence of human consciousness in the artifacts that show evidence of abstract thinking and internal visualization.

What is not Patented is Prohibited: The Exploitation, Ownership, and Criminalization of Nature: Indigenous people have accumulated an intricate and deeply-rooted knowledge of their biological environment. Historically, outside nations have come in and utilized this knowledge and plants for their own purposes, benefiting greatly from them but with little to no reciprocity for the indigenous stewards of such knowledge. As a result, there is a current cultural clash between modern nations and those who have maintained the ecological habitats and knowledge of these plants. This talk discusses the history, current issues and concerns surrounding indigenous knowledge, intellectual property rights, and “biopiracy” – the theft of indigenous knowledge and genetic resources.

…

Join us July 15 – 22, 2018 for a week of integrative medicine work and deep spiritual healing, combining the time-honored practices of traditional Shipibo shamanism with an in-depth look at some of the most fascinating topics facing humanity today.

…

With the myriad of information out there, it can be difficult to determine where and how to start. Our goal at Soltara is to flip the script, bringing the expertise to you in an accessible, informed way, grounded in the spirit of cultural awareness and tradition.

Access to a semi-private beach and equipment for paddle-boarding, kayaking, tubing, and snorkeling in the pristine Pacific ocean

High-speed WiFi in all rooms (although we encourage all guests to disconnect as much as possible!)

Air-conditioning in all rooms

Lifetime 10% discount for all return visits

Participation in our premiere integration program and community with a highly qualified integration support team

Optional add-ons including:

Professional massages (included in single and private couples lodging; additional cost for dorm-style lodging)

Holistic life coaching sessions (included in single and private couples lodging; additional cost for dorm-style lodging)

.

Our week-long program is designed for your optimal ease and comfort, so you can free your mind to focus fully on yourself and your experience.

We look forward to having you with us!

.

.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

We are called to serve medicine in sacred ceremony with integrity, humility, and compassion. By creating a safe space and working only with experienced, well-intentioned shamans and facilitators, we uphold the lessons of the medicines and build a foundation of mutual trust, authenticity, and respect. We are not gurus, preachers, or enlightened beings – our shamans are healers who humbly transmit the knowledge and healing energies of the plants, and our facilitators are devoted to helping guests face, process, and explore difficult experiences and emotions, handle projections, manage expectations, and surrender to the process. We strive to uphold the highest integrity in everything we do and be a beacon for responsible, safe, and ethical practices, such that our guests feel safe and supported to get the most out of their healing.

.

Amenities

Air Conditioning in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

House-Keeping

Menu Types

About the
Venue and Teachers

To find balance without we must first find balance within.The cognitive dissonance of a world ruled by the head is what calls us to this work of the heart. A belief in the need to encompass the emotional, energetic, and spiritual aspects of healing, alongside the physical, is the foundation of sacred plant medicines and other holistic therapies. These medicines have the power to connect us to those parts of ourselves we have forgotten, ignored, or covered up.Our mission is to bridge this gap between head and heart for those who seek it. In a world of increasing disconnection from ourselves, our earth, our history, and each other, we aim to find balance by providing an authentic, safe, and loving space for each individual, no matter their background, to get in touch with their truth. We are honored to serve medicine in sacred ceremony, empower our guests with knowledge and tools to continue their journey back home, raise cultural awareness, and continue our cherished duty as stewards and caretakers of our Earth. We feel that by healing ourselves first, aligning our past experiences and future actions with deep purpose and meaning, we can become true beacons of light and affect positive change in our lives and our world. “Soltara” comes from the Spanish verb “soltar” which means to let go or release.Soltara represents both a healing center and a global community. Our mission is to empower you with the space, knowledge and tools to release the things that no longer serve you, free yourself to participate in the fullness of life, and discover how to live your truth.So how does that happen?The answer to that question is a personal one, and for each to discover for themselves. We are here to help you do that.There are many modalities, tools, medicines, and practices that can help us release what we don’t need, reconnect to ourselves, and step fully into our power. In today’s world, the myriad of information and practices that promise to accomplish this can make it difficult to know where and how to start. Through our work at Soltara, we aim to flip the script, bringing the expertise and sacred healing modalities to you in an accessible, respectful, and loving way.A space where intention meets actionIn order to fully realize our authentic selves, we are called to examine beliefs that may be holding us back. Such self-limiting beliefs include our fears, negative patterns, and judgments, which, if held onto, can manifest in damaging and unhealthy ways.At our Center, a seaside haven in the tropical jungle of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, we work with traditional Peruvian Shipibo shamans and the sacred plant medicine ayahuasca, as well as other traditional and modern healing modalities, to help you along this path of self-discovery. Our decades of combined experience holding ceremony and doing medicine work allow you to experience in-depth healing in a safe and loving environment. Whether it’s immersing yourself in nature, practicing yoga or meditation, healing through massage or energy therapy, or working with plant medicines – to name a few – we offer a personalized experience that empowers you to follow your intuition and be your own healer.In addition to our Center, our vibrant online community fosters open dialogue, personal connection, and high-quality resources to help you learn from each other and expand your knowledge base. Our commitment to individual and global healing, on all levels, drives us to support the spiritual and psychedelic movement taking place. We aim to create a culture and community based on balanced, practical, accessible information grounded in a spirit of cultural awareness and education.A focus on integrationIntegration means taking the knowledge and lessons learned during your ritual experience and putting it into practice in your life.It is no secret that integration is a lifelong process. The lessons and healing we gain from various medicines are only valuable to the extent that we are able to utilize them in our lives outside of the ceremonies and retreat experience. Integration can involve changing habits, relationships, or community; approaching life from a new perspective; realizing an increased sense of awareness in your thoughts and actions; or working towards a new set of goals and purpose; as well as other changes in deep psychological processes you may have been unaware of until this point.While many centers offer supportive services to help prepare you for your retreat experience, and for a few months after you return home, our approach extends beyond this limited timeframe. We follow the philosophy and wisdom of the cultures our medicines come from, understanding that true community and support is a crucial aspect of healing and life.At Soltara, there is a strong focus on the integrative work that starts after your retreat and continues, possibly, for the rest of your life. To complement our online community, we are excited to work with skilled integration specialists who have a foot in both Western and traditional medicine work and can help you prepare for, maintain, and enhance the positive outcomes that are very often the result of attending deep healing sessions with experienced, ethical leaders. By doing the necessary healing work during your stay, and understanding the tools and practices that can help maintain that work, you can open to the truth of who you are, what you want, and most importantly, how to get there.Our Commitment to YouWe are called to serve medicine in sacred ceremony with integrity, humility, and compassion. By creating a safe space and working only with experienced, well-intentioned shamans and facilitators, we uphold the lessons of the medicines and build a foundation of mutual trust, authenticity, and respect. We are not gurus, preachers, or enlightened beings – our shamans are healers who humbly transmit the knowledge and healing energies of the plants, and our facilitators are devoted to helping guests face, process, and explore difficult experiences and emotions, handle projections, manage expectations, and surrender to the process. We strive to uphold the highest integrity in everything we do and be a beacon for responsible, safe, and ethical practices, such that our guests feel safe and supported to get the most out of their healing.If you come for a visit…Our highly skilled, gentle, loving facilitators and Shipibo shamans will help guide you through this process of self-discovery through plant medicine healing, traditional spiritual technologies, and modern psychotherapeutic practices. Our goal is to create a container and support system for you to find your medicine, experience it fully, develop the knowledge and tools to work with it, and learn how to integrate its practice and lessons into your everyday life. Whatever medicine works for you, we invite you to connect to your higher self, the healer within, and create the foundation for a truly fulfilling life.Whether you come for a visit, participate in our online community, or both, our goal is to co-create a loving support system that provides a safe space to explore, connect with, and share the healing process.Want to learn more? Feel free to visit us on our website, www.soltara.co, or email us at letgo@soltara.co - we'll always get back to you within 24 hours.

Dennis McKenna is an American ethnopharmacologist, research pharmacognosist, lecturer and author. He is a founding board member and the director of ethnopharmacology at the Heffter Research Institute, a non-profit organization concerned with the investigation of the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic medicines. Dennis also serves on the Advisory Board of the American Botanical Council; as Founder and Executive Director for the Institute for Natural Products Research; as an Independent Research Consultant to the Phytomedicine and Nutraceutical Industry; was formerly on the Editorial Board of Phytomedicine, International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology; and is an adjunct professor in the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota. In that role, he has taught graduate courses in Botanical Medicines and Ethnopharmacology and an inter-session ‘intensive’ in Hawaii each January called Plants in Human Affairs. He has also taught summer field courses in Ecuador for the University of Arizona, and courses in the Amazon and Andes for Pharmacy doctoral students at the University of Kansas and the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. In the last couple of years Dr. McKenna has taken a break from regular teaching duties to focus on other activities.
Dr. McKenna received his Master’s Degree in Botany from the University of Hawaii in 1979, his Ph.D. in Botanical Sciences from the University of British Columbia in 1984, and continued into post-doctoral research fellowships in the Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and in the Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine. His research has included the pharmacology, botany, and chemistry of ayahuasca and oo-koo-hé. He has also conducted extensive ethnobotanical fieldwork in the Peruvian, Colombian, and Brazilian Amazon. In 1992-93, he organized and was co-investigator on the Hoasca Project – a biomedical investigation of sacramental ayahuasca use among the members of the UDV, a Brazilian religious sect that utilizes ayahuasca in their religious practices. From 2004-2008, he was Principal Investigator on a project to investigate Amazonian ethnomedicnes as potential treatments for cognitive deficits in dementias and schizophrenia funded by the Stanley Medical Research Institute. In 2010, he served as co-Principal Investigator for the Botanical Dimensions/UNAP Digital Herbarium Project, a three-year project to scan and digitize the 100,000+ specimens in the AMAZ Herbarium at the Universidada Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana (UNAP) in Iquitos, Peru.
McKenna’s research led to the development of natural products for the Aveda Corporation, as well as greater awareness of natural products and medicines. He has authored or co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed scientific papers and written books, including “The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss: My Life with Terence McKenna”, and co-author of “The Invisible Landscape” with his brother Terence. His publications have appeared in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, European Journal of Pharmacology, Brain Research, Journal of Neuroscience, Journal of Neurochemistry, Economic Botany, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, and elsewhere.
Dr. McKenna and two colleagues are co-authors of a widely recognized reference work on herbal medicines, titled “Botanical Medicines: the Desk Reference for Major Herbal Supplements”. During the early 1970s McKenna developed a technique for cultivating psilocybin mushrooms and, in collaboration with his brother Terence, published a small book entitled “Psilocybin – Magic Mushroom Grower’s Guide” under the pseudonyms O.N. Oeric and O.T. Oss. This simple and reliable method for cultivating psilocybin mushrooms at home placed the visionary realms of psilocybin within reach of millions.
In 2017, Dr. McKenna, in collaboration with colleagues, organized and presented a landmark conference in ethnopharmacology called ESPD50 (see ESPD50.com) at Tryingham Hall, Buckinghamshire, UK. The conference was in part a 50th anniversary commemoration of the first ESPD conference, sponsored by NIMH and held in San Francisco in 1967. The conference was live-streamed on Facebook to over 285,000 people and the proceedings of the 1967 conference and the 2017 conference are being published in January 2018 by Seynergetic Press as a collector’s edition, two volume boxed set. A matching, interactive ebook will also be published at the same time and made available as a digital download from the ESPD50.com site and on the DMT: The Spirit Molecule Facebook page.
We are excited to have Dennis join our advisory board for Soltara Healing Center, where we will work with him on cultivation and permaculture, eco-initiatives, and education related to the pharmacology, ethnopharmacology, and therapeutic applications of psilocybin and other psychedelic medicines. His voice and experience will help drive our mission to provide high-quality, informative resources across topics in the consciousness and medicine community.

Our master shaman, Angelita Sanchez Rioz, comes from a very small Shipibo community called San Francisco close to the Ucayali river, near Pucallpa. Before dedicating her life to the medicine she was an artisan who would sell her art around Peru, which she makes in her free time to reflect the essence of Shipibo culture.
She has been working with the medicine for the last 8 years. Her shamanic path started when she met Wiler at a social reunion where they became friends and he encouraged her to start dieting with sacred plant medicines. She connected well with this path and decided to dedicate her life to the medicine. After some time she became an apprentice to Wiler and has been a master shaman for the last 2 years.
After dieting a wide variety of medicinal plants she has become a powerful female shaman of the Shipibo culture, full of light, love, and laughter that she spreads wherever she goes.
Her main purpose in life is to bring what has been given to her from the medicine to others, spreading the healing and joy to all those around her, as well as taking care of her family in the city of Iquitos, and her project of building a house where they can all live together comfortably. Angelita joins the Soltara family on rotation, so she can have adequate time to spend with her family in Peru.

Our master shaman, Wiler Noriega Rodrigues, is 42 years old and of the Shipibo culture. He has been practicing with the medicine for the last 22 years. He started dieting mapacho (wild jungle tobacco) when he was 20 years old due to a fishing accident that took the vision from one of his eyes. In this way he was opened up to the world of plant medicine, and from that moment on has dedicated his life to learning from and working with them, and applying this knowledge to the healing of others.He was born in a small community on the Ucayali River, and in his early teens he moved to Limongema, a small Shipibo village near Pucallpa, where he has been living ever since.He started working with passengers 10 years ago, in various ayahuasca centers, and is currently on rotation with Soltara in Costa Rica while balancing his family life and private practice, Ayahuasca Spirit Healing Center, in Peru. He has worked with the crew of Soltara for the last 5 years as a trusted friend and healer and is proud to now host his own center as well.His main desire is to help others heal, as well as help poverty-stricken people and homeless children around different communities, by creating projects to give them clothes, food, and shelter. He is a loving and happy soul whose powerful icaros (healing songs) come to life and set the stage for truly profound and deeply healing work.

Thank you!

Why Retreat?

We asked people why they go on retreat, here's what they said:

My inspiration sparks from my innate charge to connect with a collective innate goodness. I aspire to live in a way that continuously blossoms and embraces my wise and compassionate human nature.
Freundl

Retreat Guru's Vision

We believe human beings are innately wise, strong and kind. This wisdom, although not always experienced, is always present. Going on retreat is a beautiful way to reconnect to our basic sanity and health. Our aspiration at Retreat Guru is to inspire people to experience authentic retreats and reconnect with their innate wisdom, strength and kindness.